Maine EMS has released updated operation K9 protocols (OpK9) and information.
The Medical Direction and Practices Board recognizes that EMS clinicians may work with Operational K9s (OpK9) as part of their job (e.g., search and rescue entities or law enforcement teams). Should the OpK9 become ill or injured in the line of duty, appropriately trained EMS clinicians may care for these working dogs per the Maine EMS Operational K9 Protocols. These protocols have been reinstated after collaborative work between Maine EMS, the veterinarian community, and our legislators with the passage of the bill, An act to authorize the provision of emergency medical treatment for certain dogs (32 MRS Chapter 2-B, §85, §9 and 32 MRS Chapter 71-A, §4860, §13).
The protocols are attached below, and can also be found on the Maine EMS protocol page and the Maine EMS Clinical & Operational Bulletins page
These protocols have been submitted to the Maine EMS app developer to be included in an update in the iOS and Android app and anticipate this to occur over the next week or two.
Operational Bulletin Operational K9 Protocols (PDF) (11/19/24)
Maine EMS OpK9 2024 Protocols (PDF) (11/19/24)